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J96.91
ICD-10-CM
Respiratory Failure with Hypoxia

Find information on respiratory failure with hypoxia, including clinical documentation tips, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10-CM J96.01, J96.00), and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and management of hypoxic respiratory failure for accurate diagnosis and improved patient care. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on documenting and coding this critical condition.

Also known as

Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
+3 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Lungs unable to provide enough oxygen to the blood, leading to low blood oxygen levels.
  • Clinical Signs : Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, bluish skin discoloration (cyanosis).
  • Common Settings : ICU, hospital wards, emergency departments, home with oxygen therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC J96.91 Coding
J96.00-J96.99

Acute respiratory failure

Sudden inability of lungs to provide adequate oxygen or remove carbon dioxide.

J96.20-J96.29

Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

Low blood oxygen levels due to lung malfunction.

R09.00-R09.09

Hypoxemia

Abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood.

J80

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Severe lung condition causing widespread inflammation and fluid buildup.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the respiratory failure acute?

  • Yes

    Is hypoxia confirmed?

  • No

    Is hypoxia confirmed?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Respiratory Failure with Hypoxia
Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document SpO2/PaO2 values below normal limits.
  • Specify acute or chronic respiratory failure.
  • Document underlying cause, e.g., pneumonia, COPD.
  • Note signs/symptoms: dyspnea, cyanosis, altered mental status.
  • Record treatment: oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Hypoxia Type

    Coding hypoxia without specifying acute, chronic, or other type can lead to inaccurate DRG assignment and rejected claims. CDI crucial for clarification.

  • Confusing Cause vs. Effect

    Respiratory failure and hypoxia are intertwined. Incorrectly coding one as the cause of the other impacts severity and reimbursement. CDI queries essential.

  • Missing Comorbidities

    Underlying conditions contributing to respiratory failure with hypoxia, like pneumonia or COPD, must be coded for accurate risk adjustment and quality reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document SpO2, PaO2, FiO2 for accurate ICD-10-CM J96.00, J96.20 coding.
  • CDI: Query physician for hypoxia cause to support respiratory failure diagnosis.
  • Ensure proper O2 therapy documentation for compliance and reimbursement (CPT 94640).
  • Monitor ABGs, ventilation settings for timely interventions, accurate clinical picture.
  • Review respiratory exam findings and imaging reports for comprehensive documentation.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify PaO2 < 60 mmHg or SpO2 < 90% on room air.
  • Document signs/symptoms: dyspnea, cyanosis, altered mental status.
  • Assess for underlying cause: COPD, pneumonia, heart failure.
  • Check ABG for respiratory acidosis pH < 7.35 and PaCO2 > 45 mmHg.
  • Review chest imaging: CXR or CT for infiltrates, effusions, or other pathology.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Respiratory Failure with Hypoxia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (J96.20, J96.21) and appropriate documentation supporting severity for optimal DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Case Mix Index (CMI), affecting hospital reimbursement and overall financial performance. Accurate hypoxia diagnosis coding is crucial.
  • Hypoxia diagnosis reporting influences quality metrics like hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) and patient safety indicators (PSIs), impacting public reporting and value-based purchasing.
  • Precise documentation of respiratory failure with hypoxia is critical for severity level assignment, impacting mortality rates, length of stay, and resource utilization reporting.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code J96.00 primary, specify hypoxia type
  • Document SpO2, PaO2 for hypoxia severity
  • Consider underlying cause, code additionally
  • Check Excludes1 notes for J96.00
  • Document ventilator support if applicable

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with acute respiratory failure characterized by hypoxia.  Symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea), tachypnea, and decreased oxygen saturation (SpO2).  Physical examination reveals labored breathing, use of accessory muscles, and cyanosis.  Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis confirms hypoxemia with a PaO2 below 60 mmHg on room air.  Differential diagnosis includes pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary embolism, and asthma.  Chest X-ray ordered to evaluate for underlying pulmonary pathology.  Initial treatment includes supplemental oxygen therapy via nasal cannula or mask to maintain SpO2 above 90%.  Patient is being closely monitored for respiratory distress and potential need for mechanical ventilation.  Further diagnostic workup may include pulmonary function tests (PFTs), computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, and D-dimer to assess for thromboembolic events.  Treatment plan will be adjusted based on the underlying cause of respiratory failure and patient response to therapy.  ICD-10 code J96.00, Respiratory failure, unspecified, is being considered pending further diagnostic evaluation.  Medical billing codes for services rendered will be determined upon completion of the patient encounter.  Patient education provided regarding the importance of medication adherence, pulmonary rehabilitation, and follow-up care.  Prognosis depends on the severity of the respiratory failure and the presence of any comorbid conditions.